Hello everyone.

Today, Buddhists in Canada and around the world will celebrate Vesak – the most important Buddhist festival.

It’s a time to commemorate the birth, enlightenment, and passing of Gautama Buddha, the founder of Buddhism.

It’s also a moment for coming together.

Coming together to visit local temples for prayer, and to offer gifts to show respect and gratitude for the Buddha’s life and wisdom.

Like most holidays, Vesak gives us the opportunity to pause for a moment and spend time with the people we love.

After two difficult years with COVID-19, you’ve had to miss some of the most cherished traditions of this day.

But as restrictions ease across the country, I hope you can surround yourselves with your loved ones, and that this year’s festivities are more celebratory.

Buddhists have long served our country, inspired by the Buddha’s universal messages.

Messages of peace, kindness, and showing compassion towards others.

And I’d like to thank you for everything you do to make Canada a better place.

From my family to yours, Sophie and I wish a happy and peaceful Vesak to all those observing this sacred day.